Yesterday I went to the National Heirloom Exposition in Santa Rosa, California with my buddy El Presidente. We headed out super early and made a few side trips but the highlight of the day was the exposition, that’s for sure.
I have seem pictures of the event in the past so there was one thing in particular I wanted to see in person. The heirloom squash. There were so many there, it was mind boggling.
Since this was an heirloom exposition, there were many more varieties available than your typical grocery store would carry. Which was totally awesome if you ask me. Look at this Black Futsu squash, ain’t she a beauty?
This black warty squash didn’t have a tag on it. Do you know what variety it is? I think I might want to try and grow a few next year.
I like the muted color on this grey Russian squash. I need to find seeds for that one too. 😉
The Lady Godiva and Buen Gusto squash were pretty cool.
Clearly the Marrow Giant Squash could feed a family for a week. Holy cow this one was huge.
Pitz Turban Squash. Don’t they look like little acorns?
This Sacred Indian Rattle gets bonus points for looking like a mini watermelon.
I may need to grow some of those next year too.
The Triamble or Shamrock squash is on my list for next year as well. I’m pretty sure the HH would even like this one. I’m not exactly sure how I would chop it up for soup though. Maybe I’d just grow a few to set out on the front porch.
Don’t you think the Tonda Pandana squash would sell well in a grocery store? I mean really, who would want an ordinary pumpkin sitting on their porch for Halloween when you would carve one of these beauties up for display.
And last but not least, another identified warty squash. I’m not sure why I like the warty squash varieties so much but I do. They just seem to have so much personality compared to typical pumpkins.
So what do you think?
After seeing these heirloom squash, what would you rather grow? Heirlooms or regular field pumpkins?
Me? I stinking to the heirlooms.
~Mavis
Kay says
Great pictures….thanks for sharing your trip with us.
I always enjoy your site!!
Kate says
That is a WHOLE LOTTA squash! 🙂
Herdog says
I gotta laugh! You come to my county, to some event I’ve never heard of. What a hoot! I know what I’ll be doing tomorrow.
I love all the different squash and I’m sure they taste equally as yummy. The little Lady Godiva I discovered about 10 years ago and are the best if your like roasted pumpkin seeds, which I can never get enough. They’re Hull-less! Roast’em up, pop a handful in your mouth and NO spitting out hulls the rest of the day. That’s my kind-of seed.
Thanks for the great pics and even greater idea. If you’re here for a few more days, Pop into the city of Pet -A-chicka-luma (Petaluma) old downtown. The Baker Creek Seed bank is there. Talk about a kid in the candy store. On the other hand, maybe not. We wouldn’t want the seed-boyfriend thinking your jumping ship. Have a good and safe trip.
Susan says
LOVE all the festive fall colors and shapes!!
Jo Ann says
Hi Mavis,
I was at the Heirloom Fest yesterday also (I live in Santa Rosa). And I saw your online boyfriend Ryan. He then showed me the photo of you in your pilgrim outfit! Sorry I didn’t get to meet you in person.
The Heirloom Fest blew my mind, just like it did last year. I felt overwhelmed, like being in the Louvre with so much artwork. I felt a kinship with everyone. One guy has inspired me to try growing quinoa next spring. Also I really liked the guy with the clay ovens. Did you see him? He was in front of Finley Hall. He cooked some kabocha squash and was giving it to people to try baked in his little adobe oven. It was delicious.
Speaking of squash, the warty dark green one is called Marina di Chioggia. 🙂
Jo
Mavis Butterfield says
Thanks Jo! Did you see those cool camping trailers? I totally want one of those. 🙂 I think Lucy and I would have fun in one of those. I’m glad you had a great time.
Jo Ann Gleason says
Yes! My friend climbed in there, and she didn’t want to leave. Super cool. And hip looking.
So I just planted Nero kale, cauliflower, savoy cabbage, and bull’s blood beet. What are you planting for fall?
Ellen in Clackamas says
How would you fix those warty squash? Baked? Boiled? They are way cool!
sarah says
Thanks for all of the wonderful pictures, Mavis. It’s nice to see someone else as excited about squash as I am. Are we wierd?
Jen Hen says
What is the difference between a squash and a gourd? All growing up, fun looking things like these I weas told were gourds and are inedible. I never thought to ask why. Is this a myth? Can you eat all squash and gourds?
Lorraine says
Mavis check out this news story. Unbelievable….and coming to a seed company near you!
http://www.offthegridnews.com/2013/05/06/banned-european-union-to-outlaw...
Mavis Butterfield says
Wow. Just wow.
carol says
I just bought a huge warty squash at Walmart. I commented this was good eating. Her reply was she thought it was only decorative. It weighed 15 pounds and was 6 bucks! Darn right I’m eating it! Decorate with the fake ones.
Mavis Butterfield says
That is a great price for a warty pumpkin! They taste great too. Good job. 🙂
Jen Hen says
That’s great! I’ve always been told that too…that they were only decorative. Are there any that aren’t edible? Asking b/c I’m going to start scooping these up when people get rid of them and preserve them for cooking!